The new set of policies also cover the ban on advertisements on food and drinks with high fat, salt and sugar content that could lure children into buying them.

He said running a 24-hour restaurant is not easy, but due to support from the masses, mamak outlets have evolved into a gathering place for many and have become a very much part of the Malaysian culture.

For example, Syed Ibrahim said for years mamak outlets have become places for football enthusiasts to watch matches together.

He said mamak outlets also have been catering to the needs of university and college students.

“These students, they hold their discussions and assignments there as most mamak outlets are equipped with wifi facility.

“If mamak outlets can only operate until midnight, where will the students go,” he said.

He said currently there are about 12,000 mamak and Indian Muslim outlets nationwide with a total annual revenue of about RM10 billion.

Syed Ibrahim said Kimma would move to officially protest against the policy.

“We are going to write a request to the ministry to ask them to re-consider before implementing the policy.

“We are even willing to participate in a discussion.”

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had on Friday said the 13 policies on a healthy living environment were discussed by the Cabinet Committee for a Health-Promoting Environment for implementation next year and 2019.